Hiking Gear You Need for Your Next Hike

While hiking is a fun pastime that millions enjoy, there is a side to it that can be very dangerous. Even a simple, short walk can turn into a nightmare when the wrong circumstances happen—someone getting lost, bit by a snake, falling in a river, or so many unfortunate situations. Luckily, the vast majority of situations can be prepared for by simply bringing the right hiking gear with you.

Absolute Essentials

There are some things that you should never go on a hike without. The following won’t prevent bad things from happening but will certainly make bad situations manageable:

Water—to avoid dehydration and for cleaning any cuts

A whistle—for each person to blow should they get lost

First aid kit—to keep injuries from getting infected

Extra clothing—to replace wet clothing or to stay warm at night

Trail food—to replenish energy

A compass—to give directions if you get lost

A map—so you can use the compass effectively

Good Things to Have

There are plenty of things that can help you out that aren’t necessary to hiking. These will help you in bad situations, but you don’t have to feel unprepared for a hiking trip if you don’t have them:

Satellite GPS tracker—to track where you have been and find out where to go

Knife—not for hunting, but for protection should a predator cross your path

Sleeping bag—in the off chance that a day trip turns into an over nighter.

Fire starter—to keep you warm in rain or at night

These are just some things that would be smart to take along if you know how to use them. Get acquainted with each of them before you go hiking so that you aren’t trying to figure out how to use them when they are needed. If you feel like something else would be good to have, just make sure that it isn’t heavy enough to impede you and that you wouldn’t get upset if you lost or ruined it